This attack appears to be part of a coordinated effort by the authorities against the underground church. On May 28, an Catholic expert in Chinese affairs published an article in the Italian newspaper, Avvenire, outlining three Chinese government directives specifically aimed at the Catholic Church, particularly to sever ties with the Vatican. The Chinese government is recently stepping up efforts to strengthen the communist grip on religion while defending their religious practices.
On October 22, the South China Morning Post published an article outlining new efforts to defend and promote atheism in order to curtail the rapid growth of religious activities in China. On the same day, religious leaders were speaking at the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. about freedom of religion in China. According to Rev. Cao Shengjie, president of the China Christian Council, "The Chinese government is doing a better and better job of ensuring freedom of religious belief." They deny the existence of an underground church in China as well as denying persecuting the church. They claim that there are only a limited number of unregistered churches in China.
Pray for the release of those recently arrested. Pray for the millions of Christians throughout China facing daily persecution and the fear of arrest. Pray that this increasing persecution will cease. Pray that world leaders will not be seduced by the deceptive words of the Chinese authorities and their statements, but that will hold the Chinese government accountable for their actions.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in China, visit the China Country Report.
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